Durham, NC vs Rochester, MN
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Durham
69.4
#1213 nationally
Rochester
76
#401 nationally
Rochester leads in average commute (17.1 min vs 22.8 min). Rochester leads in median household income ($83,973 vs $67,432). Durham leads in walk score (33 vs 30).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Durham, NC | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1213) | 76 (#401) |
| Population | 283,506 | 122,413 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $395,976 | $347,877 |
| Median Household Income | $67,432 | $83,973 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 17.1 min |
| Walk Score | 33 | 30 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 4.2 |
| School Rating | 6.4 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+61.9 | D+10.7 |
D+
69.4 Score
Durham, NC
Bull City innovation and inclusion
Median Home
$395,976
Population
283,506
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B-
Southeast
View Durham, NC →
C
76 Score
Rochester, MN
Mid-size Minnesota city with community character
Median Home
$347,877
Population
122,413
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
30
Midwest
View Rochester, MN →